Trust

July 15, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

A core element of Faith. It is usually based on the words and actions that are demonstrated to us in relationship. It is interesting to think about how easily we trust ourselves or other people sometimes and yet we are resistant to trust God and His plan. If anyone has made promises and delivered on them every time it is God not us. Turn towards God for everything, trust in Him and His will and you will see the goodness of the Lord. Amen.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

DSC_0247 publish

“Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
¹¹For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
    from those whose walk is blameless.

¹²Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.”

Psalm 84:10-12

(This photo was taken in June of 2020 at sunset on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

The Lord Is Good To All

July 14, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

We live in a fallen world (Genesis 3) and we are surrounded by the sinful nature and our own sins. We have been told in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33) …so we should expect it. However, we still have hope because of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the Cross for us. He has taken on all the sin of the world and has given us a Way to the Father. Trust in the Lord, do good things because the Lord is good to all He has made. Amen.

DSC_0178 publish

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.

⁹The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 on the north shore on Lake Superior)

Peace And Hope

July 13, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Our source of peace, our source of hope…only God can provide peace and hope that can endure all troubles and suffering. The peace of Christ in your heart will hold you up through the most painful moments in your life and the hope from God will guide you on your path as events and circumstances, that you do not control, change in your everyday life. When we are willing to be humble, to confess that we have done wrong and we turn towards God and seek Him…we will find peace we never knew existed and we will have hope we have never seen before. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

DSC_0361 publish

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

1 Peter 1:3

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at the High Falls in Tettegouche State Park in noerthern Minnesota)

Jesus

July 12, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in December of 2019…

Immanuel…Light of the World…King of Kings…Lord of Lords…The Good Shepard…Bread of Life…Living Water…Prince of Peace…Wonderful Counselor…Lamb of God…The Truth…The Way…The Savior of the World. Amen.

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp

DSC_0158 publish

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Friendships

July 11, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in August of 2014…

Being a friend means listening…just listening.

Being a friend means putting the needs of others before your own.

Being a friend means making time to be together.

Friends can share thoughts…thoughts about dreams and goals as well as disappointments and frustrations without judgment.

Being a friend means laughing together…often.

Being a friend means offering your shoulder when someone needs to cry because the pain is too great to be alone.

A friendship is a give and take relationship…if your give and take are not balanced evenly the friendship will suffer.

This give and take in relationships is also necessary in your spiritual life…your friendship with Jesus requires both give and take…

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know the master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John 15:15

We all have a friend in Jesus. Begin or continue to listen, to make time, to share your dreams and frustrations, to laugh with your friend Jesus…it is the one friendship that will definitely last forever.

Peace.

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

July 10, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in December of 2018…

One of the most difficult things for us to accomplish is change. A change that will last, is sustainable and makes a difference in us and how we interact with others. One of the greatest changes in human history occurred when Jesus Christ changed Saul into Paul, His disciple. We read about this is the Book of Acts, chapter 9. What Jesus did to create and sustain this change was to illuminate His Presence to Saul. To show His Presence and then to give instructions to Saul as to what he must do. God is present in creation and in each of our lives everyday…we just need to do a better job of looking for Him. His Presence exists in nature, the change of the seasons and in the Fruits of the Spirit that we give and receive in our interactions with others. God is with you, He loves you and His Presence is what gives you strength. Thanks be to God. Amen.

DSC_0125 publish

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Our Refuge In The Storm

July 9, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in October of 2019…

When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover? Where can we be safe? Who can help us in our time of need? God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us. Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control. A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world. Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm. Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

DSC_29 publish

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Savior…Sacrifice…Salvation

July 8, 2020 / mcalcagno / 3 Comments

Originally posted in March of 2019…

The world tells us to pursue money, comfort and the easy life. To look out for ourselves and satisfy ourselves first and most often, this is the sinful nature and it has taken hold in many people. There is a way to be different and to live with purpose and it is based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves you, He gave His life to save you and His way is the only way to God the Father. Spend time reading God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

DSC_0006 publish

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

The Grace Of God

July 7, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in January of 2019…

We have been saved…the battle has been won. Jesus Christ gave of Himself to save us and to reconcile us back to God. We are not made to do life alone, God our Creator made us out of His love and His Son sacrificed His life because of His love for us and the Holy Spirit is guiding us through our days with God’s grace. We haven’t earned it, we don’t deserve it. It has occured because of the mercy and grace of God our Father. He is not a distant figure in the sky looking for ways to punish us for every mistake, He is doing everything for our good, not according to our plans rather according to His. We would do well to turn towards God and thank Him and seek to grow our relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.

dsc01031 publish

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)

Contentment

July 6, 2020 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Originally posted in July of 2019…

I hope you have enjoyed the music and listening for God in the talent of those who have been blessed to share the Good News through song over the last few weeks. This morning I am struck by gratitude for all the good things God has given. There is so much to be thankful for and yet we often choose to wish for things to be different or to have more or less of something. It seems to be human nature to desire more in some way, however, true joy and peace is found only in contentment. Think about how much we can enjoy the present moments in life each day if we begin with gratitude and thankfulness for what blessings we have been given and put Christ in the center of our lives rather than ourselves and our desires. Thanks be to God for all He has done for us and may the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

IMG_20141016_publish